US Vetoes UN Gaza Ceasefire Plan Over Lack of Hostage Release Link

2 days ago 3

By Michael D. Carroll

Breaking News Editor

The United States has vetoed a United Nations resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, citing the absence of provisions for the immediate release of hostages taken by Hamas during its October 2023 attack on Israel.

U.S. officials argued that any resolution must address the urgent need to secure the hostages' freedom alongside efforts to end the violence, reflecting the complexity of the ongoing crisis.

The U.N. Security Council supported the resolution, with 14 out of 15 members voting in favor. However, the measure failed to pass due to a veto by the United States, which argued that the resolution did not sufficiently address the immediate release of hostages taken by Hamas.

The resolution that was put to a vote "demands an immediate, unconditional and permanent cease-fire to be respected by all parties, and further reiterates its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages."

The resolution was introduced by the 10 elected members of the 15-member U.N. Security Council. Unlike the five permanent members— the United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France— these elected members lack veto power, leaving critical decisions subject to the approval of the permanent members.

In June, the U.N. Security Council adopted its first resolution aimed at brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Sponsored by the United States, the resolution welcomed a three-phase plan proposed by President Joe Biden, which the U.S. asserted had been accepted by Israel. The plan called on Hamas to agree to the terms as well, yet the conflict continues unabated, underscoring the enduring challenges of achieving peace in the region.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press

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